Summary
Christina Chong's EP Twin Flames is finally out, fulfilling her longtime dream of creating and sharing her own original music.
The EP can be found on popular platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music, and is also available for purchase as a physical copy. The songs on the EP delve into personal emotions and draw inspiration from real-life experiences, including an intense romantic connection and a devastating breakup.
Christina Chong dedicated a significant amount of time to crafting her debut EP, Twin Flames, where she not only wrote and produced the music but also delved into various musical styles.
As a graduate of the esteemed Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts, Christina initially pursued her passion for performing lead roles in musical theatre. However, she also embraced opportunities in film and TV acting, with notable appearances in renowned projects like Black Mirror, Doctor Who, Johnny English Reborn, and Dominion. Eventually, Christina secured the role of La'an Noonien-Singh in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, which provided her with the confidence and platform to explore her own unique voice and venture into the realm of original music creation.
Christina Chong Talks Twin Flames
Screen Rant had the incredible opportunity to engage in a conversation with Christina Chong regarding her EP, Twin Flames. During the discussion, she graciously provided a sneak peek into each song and opened up about the personal anecdotes that inspired the creation of each track. Furthermore, Chong divulged thrilling details about her forthcoming endeavors in the music industry.Screen Rant: We are here today to get to know you as a recording artist. Your EP, Twin Flames, drops on Friday, August 11, which is today. Congratulations!
Christina Chong expressed gratitude for the fulfillment of a long-held dream and the surreal experience of seeing her work in physical form. She marveled at the incredible feeling of having her content released online for the world to access.
She then mentioned her fortune in possessing a physical copy of the CD, autographed by the artist herself, which she adored. Christina conveyed her admiration for the entire repertoire of songs in the EP and expressed her eagerness to inquire further about them. However, before delving into the details, she sought information about how people can stream the artist's music.
Christina Chong: My music is available on major platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Deezer, and YouTube. Additionally, you can purchase physical copies of my music. For convenient access, most of the links to these platforms can be found on my Instagram account (@christinachongx). Limited quantities of CDs are also available for purchase. You can find a direct link to my Shopify shop in the Instagram link at the top of my page.
Are you pursuing your dream of becoming a recording artist and creating your own original music alongside your acting career?
Christina Chong: Around the age of 19, I quietly made a personal declaration to myself. At that time, I was collaborating with an A&R professional who had previously worked alongside Amy Winehouse. He advised me, "If you're serious about pursuing this path, you must fully commit to it now." Although I acknowledged his advice, I had already secured a job in musical theater in Germany and had already signed the contract. Consequently, I felt bound by my commitment and explained, "I cannot pursue this opportunity right now because I have committed to a year and a half in Germany." Disappointingly, he responded, "In that case, we cannot proceed. You must choose one over the other." I ultimately chose the German job and told myself, "I will pursue my passion when the timing is right for me."
However, due to experiences in my alternative career, I found inspiration to pursue my personal dream independently. These experiences endowed me with the confidence, resources, and everything necessary to move forward. Coincidentally, during that time, I happened to be collaborating with Elaine Overholt, a notable vocal coach who had worked on the Oscar-winning film "CODA" and the musical "Chicago." Interestingly enough, Elaine had also collaborated with Paul Bogaev, who served as the musical director for the German production I was involved in, "Aida the musical." Elaine and Paul had previously worked together on the film adaptation of "Chicago" starring Catherine Zeta Jones and Renee Zellweger.
My entire career has made a complete 360-degree turn. Initially, I ventured into television to pursue leading roles in musical theater. My plan was to establish a prominent presence quickly and then return to musicals and take on major parts. However, the way things have unfolded has been incredibly unpredictable. It took over a decade of working in the film and TV industry to finally reach my desired destination. This journey has been quite unconventional, and I never could have imagined it happening this way. It simply never crossed my mind.
Who are your musical inspirations? Or, let's imagine a scenario: it's late at night, there's no one around, and you turn up the volume on your iTunes. Whose music are you listening to?
Christina Chong: My musical preferences tend to vary depending on my mood, much like many other people. When I'm driving, for example, I'm currently really into a new artist called Grae, spelled G-R-A-E. Her entire album is on repeat for me, and I even have her complete Spotify discography saved. She's absolutely amazing, so I highly recommend checking her out. Another artist I can listen to anytime is Amy Winehouse. It's interesting because I actually connected with an A&R guy who worked with Amy when she was starting out, and her music continues to inspire me. It's not always about specific artists, though; sometimes it's just a particular song on an album that captures my attention. Additionally, I have a deep appreciation for '70s disco music. Acts like Earth, Wind and Fire and Jamiroquai, although the latter is not from the '70s, still carry that disco beat that I love. Of course, the classics by artists like Michael Jackson and the entire Motown catalog hold a special place in my heart.
There are four tracks on your EP, and we will discuss each song individually. The first track is called Twin Flames, and I absolutely love it. Ever since its release a few weeks ago, I have been listening to it the most. Could you please share with us the story behind Twin Flames and what it means to you?
Christina Chong: So, it all began with this song. Twin Flames was actually the final song that I wrote for the EP. I started this journey by sitting down and pouring my heart out, reflecting on all the emotions and significant events that have occurred in my life. It was important for me to choose authentic moments because my intention was to reveal the true essence of who I am. I didn't want to create a character or hide behind a persona. I wanted it to purely be Christina. That's when I made the decision to incorporate real experiences into my music.
The most challenging issue I faced during that time was the end of my relationship with someone whom I no longer have a connection with, but whom I believe to be my Twin Flame. According to the concept, Twin Flames are two halves of the same soul who only reunite every few lifetimes. It was revealed to us by a psychic that we had previously lived in Sicily during the 1800s. The psychic advised us, "If you both return to Sicily and visit this small fishing village together, it could be a very healing experience for you." I immediately booked the flight, which took place in May. We traveled to Sicily and arrived at the fishing village, but nothing significant occurred. I was disappointed because I had anticipated something extraordinary happening. That night, as we lay in bed at a hotel in the fishing village, I suddenly woke up in the middle of a panic attack unlike anything I had ever experienced before. I genuinely believed I was going to die.
Unable to breathe, I rushed out onto the balcony, desperately trying to get someone's attention to call an ambulance. I was convinced that this was the end for me. My partner, still asleep at the time, eventually emerged from the room, alarmed by the commotion. He asked me what was happening, but I couldn't speak. Eventually, I managed to calm down with his support. It was a deeply intense emotional experience, similar to the overwhelming feeling one gets while crying. The psychic had previously informed us that during our past life in Sicily, my partner had left to engage in political work abroad and tragically passed away there, never returning.
I was under the impression that he had left me behind. I patiently waited for his return, but he never came back. Consequently, my feeling of abandonment persisted. It was not his fault, as he was simply unaware of the situation. Unfortunately, he passed away without fulfilling my expectation of his return. Thus, I believe that the intense emotional episode I experienced at the hotel was a result of me trying to cope with this new sensation, as I had never encountered such a severe panic attack before.
Remarkable.
Christina Chong explains that the song revolves around the concept of meeting someone before and the instantaneous connection she felt when she first got together with him. The upcoming release, "No Blame," is said to have a personal story associated with it.
Christina Chong: Twin Flames delves into the intense and passionate relationship when two people meet. It explores the risk of being deeply in love while also acknowledging the potential loss involved. As one reaches greater heights in love, the potential fall becomes even more significant. No Blame, on the other hand, focuses on the breakup without assigning blame. It emphasizes that the timing simply wasn't right and highlights the notion that even if two individuals deeply love each other, if the timing isn't aligned, the relationship cannot flourish. The song encapsulates the emotions surrounding the breakup, acknowledging sadness while also finding solace in the acceptance that it's alright. I hold no blame towards you.
Additionally, the music video for No Blame, along with other videos for my songs, can be found on my YouTube channel, Christina Chong. This particular video was originally a short film that was transformed into a music video.
Christina Chong: The person appearing as the love interest in the music video is my Twin Flame. We shot this in 2016, coincidentally when we first met. Little did we anticipate that it would transform into a breakup song music video, based on my personal experiences with him.
Life is unpredictable, as always. The third track is titled "Can't Show Love," and I adore its lively and enjoyable nature. Moreover, the music video for this song features some delightful home footage of a young Christina.
Inspired by the challenges I faced in my Twin Flame relationship, "Can't Show Love" delves into the origins of these difficulties by exploring my childhood and the significant relationships I had with family members. Our experiences during childhood, even if they seem perfect, can still impact us and influence our search for perfection in a partner. By examining my father's upbringing and his relationship with me, as well as my mother's relationship with her father, I uncover the dynamics that shape my own expectations in relationships with men. The music video also includes my maternal grandfather, highlighting the intergenerational trauma and its effects.
I admire the way you strategically release your songs, weaving them together with a captivating storyline. You possess the gift of storytelling, evident not only in your music but also in your other creative endeavors. Lastly, but certainly not least, we come to track four, entitled "I Get To Choose." This delightful and tender piece caught me off guard as I continued to indulge in your EP. I'm curious, what is the underlying message behind "I Get To Choose"?
Christina Chong: This is actually one of my favorite songs, maybe my absolute favorite, because it caught me off guard. I knew I wanted to write an empowering song, one that celebrates me as a woman and acknowledges that I have moved on from a past relationship. This song was penned after that breakup, when I realized that I no longer need someone else to be happy. It's a reminder that we enter and leave this world alone, and ultimately, it's just me, myself, and I.
During a time when things were truly happening for me, I went through a period where I had to struggle and scrape by, doing whatever work came my way just to survive. I took on roles that weren't necessarily what I wanted, but I knew I had to do it for the money or just to have work. I felt unseen and doubted, questioning if anyone believed in me. But when I wrote this song, it hit me that I have reached a point in my life where I have the power to choose. As a woman, I get to decide what I do and where I go. I am independent and in control of my own life. I am at a place where I find happiness in being single and embrace it fully. Looking back, I can't help but think, "Wow, what a journey it has been. And it's not over yet." Obviously, I don't want it to end yet. But it has taken me on this incredible, full circle.
During my journey to an undisclosed job, I had the privilege of being driven past the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts, where I once attended as a 14-year-old. Despite not being the most direct route to the airport, the car I was in took me past my old school. As I glanced out the window, I caught a glimpse of my younger self walking along that very road. It was a surreal moment, as I reflected on the challenges I faced back then - grappling with my identity, racism, and feeling unseen. Now, on the other side of those struggles, I couldn't help but shed tears of joy and accomplishment while singing along to the songs that represent my journey. These emotions still surface when I hear those songs play in the car. It serves as a reminder of all the efforts I've exerted to reach where I am today.
Well, it's safe to say that you are now recognized and supported wholeheartedly. Christina Chong's Twin Flames EP is currently available for streaming on platforms like Apple Music and Spotify. Additionally, you can subscribe to Christina Chong's YouTube channel and watch the music videos for each of her songs. Once again, congratulations Christina! It's truly remarkable that, despite the ongoing challenges, your music career is flourishing and you continue to showcase your unique content and yourself.
Christina Chong: Talk about perfect timing! (laughs) This is the opportune moment to go on strike. I also want to mention that I have Twin Flames merchandise coming soon, hopefully within the next week. So be sure to check it out. You can find the link on my Instagram (@christinachongx), but keep an watchful eye for it.
Great! What are your plans for your music going forward? Any live performances or tours in the works?
Christina Chong: I have expressed my willingness to embrace any opportunities that come my way. If it is meant to happen, it will. The future is uncertain, but I have prepared remixes of Twin Flames in various genres such as electronic, house, and possibly acoustic versions for my EP. Additionally, I have a desire to release a Christmas single. However, beyond these plans, I am unsure. The logical progression would be to create a complete album, but there are no definite plans as of yet. Once the album is complete, I believe it would be the ideal time to embark on a tour.
About Christina Chong
Renowned British actress and gifted singer, Christina Chong, has exciting news for her fans. She has just launched her very own original music, available for streaming on popular platforms like Apple Music, Spotify, and all the places where you enjoy your favorite tunes. Her debut EP, Twin Flames, is now officially released and proudly brought to you by the esteemed Goldun Egg label. Christina's incredible talent extends beyond music, as she has graced both the small and big screens with her presence, captivating audiences with her remarkable performances. Currently, Christina shines in her role as La'an Noonien-Singh in the much-loved series Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.
Listen to Christina Chong's Twin Flames EP on Spotify, Apple Music, and all other music platforms.
Source: Screen Rant Plus